Category: Blog

When your car needs repair, finding an affordable and trustworthy auto repair shop can be a challenge. With so many options available, it's essential to do some research and find the best fit for your needs. 

In this blog post, we'll share five tips that will help you locate a reliable and cost-effective auto repair shop near you. Keep reading to discover how you can save money while ensuring your vehicle receives the quality care it deserves.

Tap into Your Personal Network for Trusted and Wallet-Friendly Mechanics

Seek Recommendations from Friends and Family One of the easiest ways to find an affordable auto repair shop is by asking for recommendations from friends, family members, or coworkers. They are likely to have firsthand experience with local mechanics and can provide valuable insights into their service quality, pricing, and overall satisfaction. By gathering several recommendations, you'll have a better chance of finding an auto repair shop that fits within your budget while still delivering excellent service.

Decode Customer Reviews to Identify the Top-Rated Affordable Auto Repair Shops

Check Online Reviews Before committing to any auto repair shop, take the time to read online reviews from various sources like Google Reviews or Yelp. These platforms provide honest feedback from real customers who have previously used the services of different mechanics in your area. Pay attention not only to ratings but also what people are saying about their experiences – particularly regarding pricing and affordability.

Master the Art of Negotiation by Comparing Service Estimates from Top Contenders

Compare Quotes for Services Once you've narrowed your search based on recommendations and reviews, contact several auto repair shops to request quotes for the services you need. Be specific about what repairs or maintenance tasks are required so they can give accurate estimates. Comparing these quotes will help you determine which shops offer competitive pricing without compromising quality.

Unearth Hidden Deals and Exclusive Discounts to Maximize Your Savings

Look for Special Offers or Discounts Many auto repair shops offer special promotions or discounts during specific periods or events (e.g., holidays). Keep an eye out for these deals as they could help reduce costs significantly. Additionally, some repair shops may have loyalty programs or offer discounts to first-time customers, so don't hesitate to ask about any available offers when contacting them.

Guarantee Quality Repairs by Investigating Expertise and Accreditation Credentials

Evaluate the Shop's Expertise and Certifications Lastly, it's crucial to ensure that the auto repair shop you choose has experienced and certified mechanics who can handle your vehicle's specific needs. Look for certifications like ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) or membership in professional organizations such as AAA. A reputable shop should also provide a warranty on their work, giving you peace of mind that they stand behind their service quality.

Empower Yourself with These Strategies and Drive Towards Affordable Auto Repair Solutions

Finding an affordable auto repair shop doesn't have to be a daunting task. By following these five tips – seeking recommendations from friends and family, checking online reviews, comparing quotes, looking for special offers or discounts, and evaluating the shop's expertise and certifications – you'll be well on your way to locating a reliable and cost-effective solution for your vehicle maintenance needs.

Don't let car troubles slow you down; trust Ace Auto Repair with your auto repair needs. Our certified mechanics provide top-notch services at competitive prices for all makes of vehicles. 

Call us today at (801) 803-6016 or visit our website to request a free quote and learn more about our loyalty program for oil changes. 

Let Ace Auto Repair keep your car running smoothly without breaking the bank!

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A car heating system may seem mystifying, with all its working parts integrated into such a much larger system. But, the heating system is actually relatively simple-seeming when compared to other subsystems of a vehicle. Still, the heater can develop a range of problems that can cause your car’s cabin not to heat properly. With the car heater not working, it can be too uncomfortable to use the car in cold weather, and a minor or major car heater repair may be needed. Below is a list of some of the most common causes of a car heater not working properly.

How Does a Car Heater Work?

A vehicle’s heating system consists of the heater core, fan, engine coolant system, and the heating and air conditioning setting controls in the dashboard. The process is pretty straightforward. When hot coolant enters the heater core, the heater fan, directed by the control settings you have set on the dashboard, blows the heat into the car’s cabin. This happens while the coolant is in a cooled state and is returning to the engine.

Why is My Car Heater Not Working?

If you have a problem with your car’s heating system, your auto repair technician will probably explore some of the most likely causes based on how the heating system is behaving. Some possible problems include:

Heater Fan Not Working

If the heater fan is broken or has a short, hot coolant (antifreeze) may be reaching the heater core, but heat may still not be blowing into the cabin of the vehicle.

Radiator Leaking

A radiator leak can stop the coolant from going to the car’s heater core to generate heat for the cabin of the car. This can damage your engine too, preventing sufficient engine cooling.

Antifreeze/Coolant is Low

This is one of the top two most common causes of lack of heat coming into the cabin of a vehicle from the heating system. It happens when the coolant level is low so the hot fluid cannot get to the heater core due to overworking the engine or not putting the correct amount of coolant in the radiator.

Thermostat Malfunctioning

When a broken or malfunctioning thermostat is the single most frequent cause of automobile heating systems suddenly failing to heat properly. A thermostat may become stuck closed or open, or develop other problems causing the heating and cooling system to stop producing.

Electrical System Issues

A problem with the car’s electrical system can cause many different types of problems in many areas of the vehicle’s overall operations, including the car heating and air conditioning system. If the heater is not blowing out any air at all or the temperature setting cannot be adjusted, then it may be due to something wrong in the electrical system.

Blower Motor Resistor not Working

If you are experiencing problems setting the fan speed in your car or air is not coming out of the vents when you set the heat/AC controls to blow air, the blower motor resistor may be broken.

Blown Fuse or Broken Wiring

The vehicle’s wiring may have a short or is possibly broken, preventing the necessary triggering of the heater from occurring when the driver sets the controls to turn on the heat.

Heat and AC Controls Not Working

The AC/Heater dials, knobs, buttons, or touchscreen commands may not be connecting with the heating system parts as necessary to trigger the heater to work properly.

Heater Core Clogged

A less common problem is having particles in the cooling system that have made their way into the heater core and caused a buildup until it is clogged. If a radiator is rusting inside or debris travels through the radiator and becomes caught in the heater core. This requires a large repair.

Why Choose Ace Auto for Your Car Heater Repair?

Ace Auto provides among the Salt Lake area’s best auto repair services, including heating and air conditioning services. All Ace mechanics are ASE Certified. All of our auto repair services are guaranteed.

If your heating system is not working in your car, call Ace Auto Repair at (801) 803-6016 for a free repair quote or to set an appointment for service.

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In light of the spreading coronavirus, Ace Auto is taking further precautions to protect our clients and the expert team. To avoid any unnecessary risk of exposure to the virus, our team is checked daily for temperature or signs of illness to be sure they are well before they work with customers. Our lobby and entrance is repeatedly cleaned and sanitized and we have integrated additional hand washing and sanitizers.

We understand the importance of keeping your vehicles running smoothly and are extremely diligent in protecting the safety of our customers, and team members. Please reach out to us if you have further questions or needs at this time.

We anticipate continuing this policy as long as needed and are committed to providing a high quality service to all of our customers. We encourage you to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

We appreciate your business and support!

Without our vehicles, it would be nearly impossible to go to work, take the kids to school, go to the grocery store, and complete many other important tasks. But even if you own a vehicle, it's vital to make sure it stays in good health. The unfortunate truth is, many things can happen to our precious rides—and knowing how to fix issues might be extremely difficult. One of the leading problems we’ll discuss today involves the clutch of a vehicle. This is a vital component to your car or truck, and knowing when it’s failing and needs to be replaced can go a very long way. In this post, we’ll talk about 5 clutch symptoms that you should pay attention to right away.

The Clutch Has A Soft Feel

One of the leading signs of clutch failure is when it feels soft. When you depress the pedal of the clutch, there should be some resistance felt. Given how the clutch itself is a heavy spinning disc constructed of metal and springs, this shouldn’t be very easy to move. If you press down on the pedal and it is very easy and soft like butter, then that means your clutch could be nearing the end of its days.

Trouble Finding Reverse Gear

When you try to put your car in reverse, the engine power in the crankshaft is sent in the opposite direction of what it’s used to. That leads to the common “clunk” sound and you might also feel a clutch vibration when shifting. This causes a lot of force from the clutch, which might lead to the component breaking down over time. If your car struggles to find the reverse gear, then you’re experiencing one of the more common signs of clutch problems and solutions are very possible.

The Clutch Makes Abnormal Noises

If you hear strange noises when you’re engaging or disengaging your clutch pedal, then this might mean that your clutch is beginning to wear out. More specifically, this is typically due to a worn-out clutch fork. This is a hydraulic or mechanical releasing device that helps the clutch function properly. However, you could be dealing with a clutch fluid evaporate problem if there is no more fluid in the clutch fork. Take your car to an auto shop to help with this issue.

The Clutch Pedal Sticks to the Floor

Another common clutch problem is when the clutch pedal sticks to the floor. This means that you have binding issues with the linkage or release bearing. To help this problem, make sure the springs in the linkage aren’t over-stretched. If they are, they may need an adjustment. Another tip is to check the release bearing and make sure the pedal stop is in the correct place.

Clutch Issues After Cold Weather

A lot of vehicle owners complain that they have issues with their clutch after cold weather. This is because cold weather can cause your system to contract, and extreme contraction can cause your clutch master cylinders to fail. Another issue is freezing fluid. Now you may be wondering, “can clutch fluid freeze?” And that answer is yes, but it's very rare and only happens in very extreme weather or when water gets into the clutch line.

Trusted Automotive Clutch Repair in Utah

Whether you’re dealing with a clutch overheat problem or anything else with your ride, Ace Auto Repair is here to help. Stop searching for “clutch repair shop near me” and pick up the phone and call the most reliable team in the area!

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Many people depend on their vehicle to get them from place to place such as running errands around town, going to school, and going to work. Like any other machine, a car can have problems from time to time and people might realize that they need to make repairs on their car. When they are told their car needs to be repaired, they might not be prepared for the cost. Maybe they assumed that insurance would cover all of the costs or perhaps that did not think that anything serious was wrong. The cost of these repairs can be difficult for a family to bear. They might be thinking about saving money by putting on aftermarket car parts. It is important for everyone to understand what are aftermarket car parts. People might also be asking are aftermarket car parts as good as OEM? Why not compare and contrast the two options?

The Benefits and Drawbacks of OEM Car Parts: Are OEM Car Parts Better?

OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer and people might be wondering where to buy OEM car parts. Typically, a dealership is going to work with OEM parts. These are parts that have been made both by and for the vehicle itself. They are meant to work like the original parts in the vehicle and might let the vehicle function better. Some of the other benefits of working with OEM car parts is that they are easy and simple to choose. Quality is guaranteed since they are made for the vehicle. Finally, most of these parts also come with a warranty on the parts.

On the other hand, OEM parts are also typically more expensive than their aftermarket counterparts. They are typically also more expensive since they have been made directly by the manufacturer and often are brand new.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Aftermarket Parts: Are Aftermarket Car Parts Better?

Some people might elect to take their car to an independent dealer. Here, the dealer will be working with aftermarket parts. These parts are similar; however, they have not been made specifically for the vehicle itself. Therefore, it is important for everyone to know a little bit about aftermarket car parts. Some of the benefits of aftermarket parts is that they typically have a lower cost, thus the name aftermarket. Depending on the purpose of the parts and the vehicle, these parts actually might work a little bit better because of the variety. With more variety, there is more functionality, contributing to a wide range of quality.

Of course, this range also means there is a bit of an unknown factor. They might not work well at all. People can also be overwhelmed by the options and might not know where to start. Finally, these parts rarely come with a warranty. People take on a lot of risk by going with aftermarket car parts.

Making a Decision on OEM vs. Aftermarket Car Parts

When it comes to vehicle repair, trust the professionals to do it right the first time. If your vehicle needs repairs, call Ace Auto Repair or visit our website to learn more! We are proud to provide services on cars, trucks, SUVs, and more in West Jordan and the greater Salt Lake City, UT area. We will keep you informed during the repair process and will be as honest and transparent as possible. Call us today!

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Many times when someone asks how to save fuel, the first answers they get are suggestions on how to get around without a motor vehicle of their own, such as biking, walking, or using public transportation. While sometimes these suggestions are helpful, other times making these changes are too drastic of a blow on a person's lifestyle. What they really need to know is how to save gas while driving. Fortunately, there are ways that this can be achieved.

Maintaining Your Vehicle Helps Save Gas

If you go to work with a headache or a cold, chances are you'll start feeling drained before the day is done. The same goes for your car. Any vehicle is going to get its best gas mileage if it is working as well as it possibly can. Automakers may advertise excellent gas mileage, but if the vehicle isn't working properly, it will use more gas just to function.

Pay attention to things like the check engine light, and make sure that the tires are staying properly inflated. Don't seek to own a vehicle with a more powerful engine than you really need. In addition to reducing fuel economy, ignoring problems also increases emissions that at harmful to the environment. Not keeping up with basic maintenance may also lead to greater repair costs in the long run.

Drive Conservatively and Save Gas

If you're a "crazy driver" don't be surprised to see crazy bills at the pump. Aggressive driving has been known to lower fuel efficiency by close to a third.

Watch Your Speed

Driving the speed limit is actually a practice that can save fuel, as fuel economy starts to dwindle past 50 mph. Too much braking and sudden acceleration can be hard on efficiency as well, as it can burn as much as a half-gallon of fuel in a single hour.

Time Your Drive

One of the biggest waves to save fuel is to make sure that when you are driving, you are moving as much as possible. That means limiting the amount of time you leave your car idling. The Department of Energy suggests not having your vehicle in the park for more than 10 seconds, if possible.

The more fully you have to start and stop at traffic lights, the more fuel you will use, and the harder you will be on your car. Coasting to slow speed before braking will make things easier. When roads are good, cruise control can be a helpful fuel-saving tool, although it is not a good option for slippery roads.

Watch the Air

Climbing into a nice cool car on a hot day might feel good, but if you are looking to save gas money, too much air conditioning isn't necessarily the best way to go. Cooling the car by opening windows is a more fuel-efficient alternative.

There are a lot of vehicles on the market that are designed for great fuel efficiency, but how your drive and take care of your vehicle are just as important as choosing the best vehicle you can. For most people, it's all they can do to do the best they can with what they've got.

At Ace Auto in West Jordan, Utah, our team can help make sure your vehicle is working at its best. To learn more, contact us at 801-803-6016, or visit us online at AceAutoUtah.com.

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While steering problems can give you a headache, it is important to know the root of your problem. Your steering problems could be due to suspension system issues, bad tires, or other issues that have nothing to do with your steering system. But it could be the steering system, which is why it is so important to correctly diagnose the problem. It is important to fix steering issues as quickly as possible because driving with these problems can lead to an accident or an injury. If you live in Utah, visit Ace Auto in West Jordan and receive affordable service from experienced mechanics.

Here are some of the most common power steering problems symptoms you may encounter:

1. Power Steering Fluid is Low: Like any other fluid in your car, you have to make sure your power steering fluid is at the appropriate level. This ensures your car runs perfectly. If it gets hard to steer your car, make sure to check your power steering level first. Power steering problems often start with the fluid.
2. Power Steering Leak: If you have low power steering fluid, there could be a leak. Check under your car for a puddle; power steering fluid is generally clear, red or pink. If you notice a puddle in one of these colors, check the power steering fluid level. Also, check for power steering fluid foaming.
3. Damaged Steering Rack Mount: If you are noticing that your steering wheel is beginning to feel uncontrollable, it could be a damaged steering rack mount. This problem can be fixed on your own, but if you’re not sure how to fix electric power steering problems, take it to a certified mechanic.
4. Damaged Power Steering Belt: If your power steering belt becomes slack or worn out, your steering wheel will begin to feel heavy or seem to jerk. This issue can be fixed by tightening the belt or replacing it.
5. Bad Strut Bearings: If you have found that your steering wheel is beginning to stray as you drive, it could be the strut bearings or the tie rods. This is often due to a broken steering rack and should be fixed by a professional. You may even notice noise when turning steering wheel.
6. Hard to Steer: If you find the steering wheel is hard to turn, and you are having to exert a lot of strength to turn your car’s steering wheel, it could be that you have low tire pressure, the power steering could be inoperative, or there may be problems in the steering system itself. If you’ve been in an accident, your car’s frame could be bent which could make the car hard to steer. But first, make sure to check your tire pressure first. Power steering problems hard to turn make it tough to drive.
7. Excessive Play in Steering: If you notice a lot of extra movement in your steering wheel, steering wheel slipping, or steering wheel vibration, it can make it hard to control your car. This may be due to looseness in your steering gear, the steering linkage, or the wheel bearing.
8. Steering is Drifting: If your car is starting to drift from one side of the road to the other, it could be because your tires don’t have the right pressure or they are mismatched. If your gears aren’t lubricated correctly, your steering gear is too loose, or you are facing suspension issues, these can all lead to the car wandering.
9. Vehicle is Pulling: If your vehicle is always pulling to one side when you’re driving, it is often due to uneven tire pressure. It could also simply mean your car is out of alignment. If may even seem that your steering wheel off center.

Visit Ace Auto in West Jordan, Utah for Fast, Friendly, and Professional Service

No matter what the cause or signs of steering problems, whether it is power steering problems or electric power steering problems, it is essential that you take your vehicle to a certified, experienced mechanic to fix the issue. Driving a car with power steering issues could lead to accident or injury. Give Utah’s trusted mechanics at Ace Auto a call today at 801-803-6016 to schedule an appointment and get a free repair quote!

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There's nothing worse than driving down the road and having your car overheat. Seeing steam coming from under the hood while red warning lights start to flash on your dashboard can get any driver's blood pumping. That's why it's a good idea to know why your car can overheat and what to do when and if it does.

Most Common Cause of Engine Overheating

There are many reasons your car may overheat. When your car overheats, it means that something is making it difficult for your vehicle's cooling system to do its job. Here are three of the most common overheating engine causes:

• Coolant Concentration out of Whack: Each vehicle has its own needs when it comes to the type of coolant and the mix of coolant and distilled water. If this is off, it can result in overheating. Be sure to check your car's manual to determine the best concentration.
• A Leaking Cooling System: A leak in your cooling system is the most common reason for overheating. The leak can be in a number of areas such as the head gasket, radiator, heater core, water pump, or some other area. A pressure test should be able to determine whether or not you have a leak.
• Malfunctioning Thermostat: The thermostat is actually a value that is heat-sensitive. It opens and closes depending on the temperature of your engine. When in the open position, coolant is sent to the radiator. When closed, coolant remains in the engine. When the thermostat is stuck closed, your car overheats.

Additional reasons your car may overheat include:

•  Coolant passageways are blocked
•  Worn or cracked hoses
•  Radiator is faulty
•  Radiator fan is bad
•  A broken or loose engine belt
•  Water pump is faulty

What to Do If Your Car Overheats

Regardless of your engine overheating reasons, once it does, you need to take a few steps to ensure your safety and to keep your car from suffering additional damage.

1. Find a safe place to pull over as soon as possible. You don't want to drive your car further than a quarter mile. Be sure to turn your car off.
2. Wait until the temperature gauge falls to cool. You do not want to open your hood while there is still steam coming out of it. Also, you never want to try to remove your radiator cap when it is hot.
3. Once your engine is cool, check the level of your coolant. Remove the cap and if your coolant is low, go ahead and refill it and replace the cap.
4. Check the hoses, both the lower and upper radiator hose as well as the heater hoses for blockage or to determine if they have become disconnected or if they have burst.
5. Go ahead and restart your vehicle.
6. Watch your temperature gauge. If it begins to rise again, you will need to pull over once more and shut off the vehicle. At this point, it will be necessary to have your vehicle towed to a professional such as Ace Auto.

Ace Auto Repair in West Jordan Utah Will Fix All Your Overheated Engine Damage

From overheated engines to engine rebuilds and even AC recharging, here at Ace Auto Repair Utah, we can handle any vehicle repairs you may need. Our team of trained professionals makes it their mission to get you and your vehicle back on the road as soon as possible. So, if you are in the Salt Lake City area, know that we can service any make or model car or truck, and we're here to help. Give Ace Auto Repair in West Jordan a call today at: (801) 803-6016 if you need your car or truck towed, or contact us to schedule an appointment.

Get a Free Repair Quote in West Jordan for the Cause of Engine Overheating. Call Ace Auto Repair at 801-803-6016

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Ace Auto Repair is excited to announce that we have officially moved to a new and improved automotive shop, conveniently located in West Jordan. Our new facility has more space in the shop for using the latest state-of-the-art equipment in auto repair. We also have more parking for the customers and perhaps best of all, you no longer have to travel down a bumpy dirt road to get to us.

Ace Auto's New Address is:

Ace Auto Repair

3399 West 8395 South

West Jordan, UT 84088

 Although our address has changed, our commitment to quality auto repair services at honest, affordable rates has not. If you are in the area, we would love for you to stop by for a visit.

The Ace Auto Repair Difference

Here at Ace Auto, we pride ourselves on honest and reliable engine repair. We do not tell a customer to fix something that does not need to be fixed, we always keep them informed through the entire process, and will not perform any work without consent.

To experience the Ace Auto Repair difference for yourself, give us a call at 801-803-6016 today!